Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Aug 11: President Donald Trump vowed on Sunday to evict homeless people from Washington, DC, and put criminals behind bars, despite the city’s mayor dismissing any current spike in crime. The White House is reportedly preparing to deploy hundreds of National Guard troops to the capital, a move reminiscent of Trump’s recent controversial action in Los Angeles.

While Trump has yet to finalize the plan, a US official confirmed troops are on standby, though their numbers and roles remain undecided. Unlike other states, where governors control National Guard deployment, the President directly commands the Guard in Washington, DC.

Trump declared on his Truth Social platform, “The Homeless have to move out, IMMEDIATELY. We will give you places to stay, but FAR from the Capital. The Criminals, you don’t have to move out. We’re going to put you in jail where you belong.” However, the White House did not clarify the legal basis for evictions, as federal authority is limited to federal property in the city.

The city, with about 700,000 residents, has around 3,782 homeless individuals on any given night, most of whom stay in shelters or transitional housing, according to local groups. Meanwhile, the D.C. Police report a 26% drop in violent crime and a 7% overall crime reduction in the first seven months of 2025 compared to last year.

Mayor Muriel Bowser said on MSNBC that Washington is “not experiencing a crime spike,” highlighting that violent crime has fallen to a 30-year low after a tough 2023. She noted ongoing collaboration with federal law enforcement and questioned the need for Trump’s proposed measures.

Trump is scheduled to hold a press conference on Monday to unveil his plan to “stop violent crime in Washington, DC.” The unfolding situation raises questions about federal-city relations and the balance of authority in the nation’s capital.